Sun Yuzhou

The second female Chinese student to study African Studies at the University of Oxford

In 2013, Sun Yuzhou, who studied BA International Studies and French , became the second female Chinese student to be admitted to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom to study a masters in African Studies and was one of only 30 to be recruited to the course that year.

Yuzhou’s interest in Africa began while studying at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), where she was supported by her dissertation tutor Dr Gernot Klantschnig, an expert on drug crimes in Nigeria. Yuzhou spent particular time researching China’s diplomatic policies in relation to developing countries, visiting libraries across China for her research.

Her application to the University of Oxford included a draft paper in English on cultural exchange between China and Africa, which contributed to her being accepted at the prestigious university.

Now Yuzhou is hoping her expertise on the subject will be of great benefit to her in her future career. She said: “Africa is an important strategic partner for China. I believe that Chinese government needs talent on this issue and I can definitely do something different from anyone else.”

Yuzhou’s interest in Africa began while studying at UNNC, where she was supported by her dissertation tutor